The Gold Coast SUNS have made five changes to the team that will take on the Brisbane Lions this Saturday night at The Gabba.
QClash 23 might be the biggest in the history of the derbies with Brisbane looking to cement a top four position on the ladder and a SUNS side not only looking to bounce back after a loss to the Bombers but keep their inaugural finals campaign aspirations alive.
Jy Farrar, Jeremy Sharp, Rory Atkins and Darcy Macpherson have all come into the team to head up the M1 and chase the four points against the Brisbane Lions.
As announced on Wednesday afternoon, Elijah Hollands will also come into the side and make his debut for the Gold Coast SUNS after strong performances throughout the year in the VFL competition.
“I’ve been working with Rhyce Shaw, Jackson Kornberg, Stuart Dew and Steven King to work on some of the gaps in my game to help me perform the best I can,” Hollands told SUNS Media.
“I’ve definitely got the confidence I’m ready to go out there and I know if I bring my best footy, I’ll be able to perform and match it with the best.
“I’ll have great support from the boys and I’m sure they’ll look after me in my first game.”
Adding to the importance around the game, a number of significant player milestones will also be reached.
David Swallow will run out in SUNS colours for the 193rd time, a significant milestone for the club as he breaks the all-time games record holder record previously held by club life member Jarrod Harbrow.
Captain Jarrod Witts will also play his 100th game for the club when he leads the team out.
Jack Bowes, Brayden Fiorini, Oleg Markov, Sam Day and Hewago Oea have all been omitted from the Round 18 team.
Fiorini will line up in the VFL on Sunday afternoon, whilst Bowes, Oea, Markov and Day have all been named as emergencies with one of them to be named as the medical sub, 60 mins out from the game.
SUNS Members are encouraged to travel north to The Gabba for the crucial clash, with full season match day access members receiving a complimentary general admission ticket to the game through via Official GC SUNS app.
For those intending to travel via train, please be aware Translink have confirmed there will be a major track closure impacting the CBD, Beenleigh, Cleveland and Gold Coast lines across Saturday and Sunday, so please allow for additional time for bus transfers.
The Round 19 fixture will be broadcast live on the Seven Network (check your local guides) and across both Fox Sports and Kayo platforms.